He was born Dec. 17, 1929, in Elkhart to Harry R. and Arabelle (Sutton) Earnhart. He married Mary L. Warner in Three Rivers, Mich., on Nov. 15, 1958.

She survives along with three sons, Doug K. (Dusty) Earnhart and David B. (Jackie) Earnhart, both of Elkhart, and Chris S. (Tag) Earnhart of Greenwood; one daughter, Tamara L. Weidner of Elkhart; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Earnhart was preceded in death by two infant sons, Frederick Clair Jr. and Edward Charles Earnhart; and a grandson, Zachary Thomas Earnhart.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, and one hour prior to Tuesday's 11 a.m. funeral service at the funeral home. Pastor Frank Ramirez of Everett Church of the Brethren, Everett, Pa., will officiate. Burial will follow in Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart, with the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard and Elkhart DAV Chapter 19 rendering military graveside honors.

Mr. Earnhart spent more than 43 years on the railroad, working for New York Central, Penn Central and Conrail before retiring in the early 1990s. He worked in several areas, but ended up at the Elkhart Rail Yard as a clerk. He was the sixth generation of railroad workers in his family.

Mr. Earnhart also owned Fred's Mower Service, a small-engine repair shop, for many years. He enjoyed building and flying model airplanes, making model antique cars and collecting model trains and train paraphernalia.

He was an avid fisherman and gardener who liked to share his produce with Faith Mission and Church Community Services. Mr. Earnhart was a deacon and a trustee at Elkhart Valley Church of the Brethren and attended Grace Brethren Church. He was a 1949 graduate of Concord High School and a U.S. Army Korean War veteran.

Memorials may be given to Elkhart Valley Church of the Brethren or Grace Brethren Church. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.

When I was only in middle school, you welcomed me into the Earnhart family. Actually, I believe you thought of me as one of the boys. Case in point, the infamous "go-cart incident" in which you showed me no sympathy! Years later I visited Elkhart Valley Church of the Brethren for the first time & you again welcomed me, as well as my husband and children, into your church family. I soon discovered that you hadn't changed a bit; still a gentle man of faith, a model Christian, a strong father, a loving husband, a caring soul, and someone with a great sense of humor. Almost without fail I would ask "how are you?" & you would reply "I'm fine. It's everyone else we have to worry about". Fred, that simple reply is more true now than ever as I know you are home with our Heavenly Father. We had a recent conversation about church and my faith walk. Please don't worry about me as I will continue growing spiritually in the hopes that you will once again welcome me; this time into your Heavenly family.

Mary, Dave, Doug, Chris, Tammy, & families, my prayers are with you. Fred will be greatly missed, but I was truly blessed knowing him as I did.

With much love & respect,

Kathy Stump,

Gary, Landon, & Kylee

Mr. & Mrs. Ron Witt

Posted Sun April 13, 2008

Dear Doug, Dusty & Family,

We are so deeply sorry to hear about your loss of your father. We were happy that you was there for ours ( Ronnie's Dad & Debbie's Mom ). We felt the need to be there for you.. Everything will be ok and as time goes on the wounds of your loss will heal with time.

With all our love for you in our Lord Jesus Christ,

Ronnie, Debbie Witt & Family

Jackie Treadway, Bonnie Lindsey

Posted Mon April 14, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jackie Treadway

Bonnie Lindsey

Gloria and Jim Rohm

Posted Mon April 14, 2008

Hello,

So sorry to hear of the news. We are praying that your family will be comforted by the Holy Spirit, knowing that he is in Heaven where there is no more sickness and pain. Just seeing the face of Jesus has got to be something grand and glorious. What a comfort to know that he got saved and is with Jesus now. We have you in our thoughts and prayers and will be there with you Monday evening.

Our deepest sympathy at this time is extended to you and yours.

Gloria and Jim

Michelle Hernandez (Warner)

Posted Mon April 14, 2008

Aunt Mary and Family,

I want you to know how truly sorry I am for your loss. I know that I have only met Uncle Fred a few times, however, he was a very nice man and I know that he will be missed by all that knew him. If you need anything please contact me and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you guys during your difficult time.

Dave we were sorry to hear about your Dad. You have our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and our prayers.Sorry we couldn't make it to the funeral home, I had to work.

Pam & Gary Freeze

Jaime Renee Yoder

Posted Tue April 15, 2008

My Grandfather was a kind and wonderful man. I don't ever remember him saying a mean thing to or about anyone. He was always willing to help those in need whenever he could. He loved to teach and show people how to do things. He always worked hard and tried to do his best at everything. He had a loving and tender heart and a desire to serve our Lord and Savior.

My soul broke to see him in such pain. Although he was such a wonderful man that I will dearly miss, I am at peace to know that he is suffering no more and finally holding his sons Frederick Clair Jr. and Edward Charles in his arms. I LOVE YOU GRANDPA!

Jaime

Grandma, should you desire to have a relationship me, my husband and your twin great granddaughters, you have my e-mail and can get my number from Stephanie; the door has never been closed to you and Grandpa.

Robert Dunn

Posted Tue April 15, 2008

To Tamara and family. Please accept my condolences and prayers. I know that this is a trying time for your family, but I also know that God will hold you in His hand for as long as needed. God Bless,